Westcliff
earlier this year, with much better numbers at training, a
few players moving up from the colts and a new belief that
it is our year. The lower sides are also looking better with
player retention looking good as well, with only a few
retirements and the inevitable loss of players to university.
I sincerely hope that the mood continues to buzz as much
as it is now. I am will do my very best to spread good
news throughout the club….watch this space!”
The Off-season
“As I have just alluded to, pre-season has gone really
well, numbers are up at training, a new excitement, energy
and aura surrounds the club. The standard of coaching is
very high with Head Coach Chris Waring doing a fantastic
job. The players are looking fitter, stronger and sharper
than twelve months ago, all that work in the gym and the
fitness drills has paid dividends….they are a real credit to
themselves, and the club.”
This Season
“With regards to the first team, last year, we very
narrowly avoided relegation and the plan for this season
is t o finish mid-table, a very achievable goal. Our lower
teams are also aiming to finish in the upper echelons of the
table with a re-structuring of leagues meaning we do have
a tough season ahead. Player retention and recruitment in
the lower teams will also be one my priorities as the third
team (Rhinos) captain.
I have observed that player numbers are somewhat
cyclic, with a rise and fall that roughly correlates with
the World Cup. Numbers start to fall in the year or two
before the World Cup, then they pick up afterwards with
www.rugbyclub.biz
45